Patronal Feast of the Holy Martyrs Mauro, Sergio and Pantaleone

The great feast of the three patron saints of Bisceglie

The Patronal Feast of the Holy Martyrs Mauro, Sergio and Pantaleone is the most anticipated and heartfelt event of the year in Bisceglie, a coastal town in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, Puglia. Every summer, around the second Sunday of August, the entire community comes together to honor its three patron saints with a rich calendar of liturgical celebrations and public festivities that bring the historic center, the Co-Cathedral Basilica, and the city squares to life.

The legend of the three saints and the oxen

According to tradition, Mauro, a bishop consecrated by the Apostle Peter, arrived on the Apulian coast to spread the Christian faith, converting two noble Roman knights: Sergio, governor of Bisceglie, and Pantaleone, superintendent of the guards. Their martyrdom and the subsequent discovery of their relics gave rise to a centuries-old cult. The legend most cherished by the people of Bisceglie tells that when the relics were being contested by different cities, they were loaded onto a cart pulled by oxen left without a driver: the animals headed toward Bisceglie, thus confirming that Mauro, Sergio, and Pantaleone would become its patrons.

The procession of the silver busts

The heart of the festival is the solemn procession of the silver busts of the three saints, precious works crafted in the 17th century by Neapolitan silversmiths in silver and gilded copper. The simulacra, guarded by the Confraternity of the Holy Martyrs, are carried through the city streets accompanied by the faithful, authorities, and brass bands, in a parade that represents the moment of most intense popular devotion.

Illuminations, concerts, and fireworks

Alongside the religious dimension, the festival showcases the spectacular nature of the great patronal feasts of Southern Italy. The streets of the center light up with traditional artistic illuminations, while Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, the hub of the public festivities, hosts brass band concerts, musical performances, and ceremonies. The fireworks displays are a must, featuring the morning opening salute and the evening pyrotechnics launched from the West Pier, visible from the city walls and the harbor area.

A community celebration

The event is organized by the Patronal Feast Committee in collaboration with the Municipality of Bisceglie, the Co-Cathedral Basilica, the Confraternity of the Holy Patron Martyrs, and local businesses. The program also includes community moments such as the Palio della Quercia, a competition between the city's districts, guided tours tracing the footsteps of the patron saints, and cultural initiatives involving residents of all ages.

Dates for the 2026 edition

The dates and detailed program for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced. The festival traditionally takes place around the second Sunday of August: it is recommended to check the channels of the Patronal Feast Committee and the Archdiocese of Trani-Barletta-Bisceglie for the updated calendar.